Patricia "Pat" M. Happke

Patricia “Pat” Marie Happke, 74 year old resident of Elk River, MN, formerly of Pierz, passed away unexpectedly on Monday (Aug. 8) at her home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Friday, August 12, 2011 at the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Pierz with Father Gerald Dalseth officiating. Burial will be at St. Joseph’s Parish Cemetery in Pierz. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 PM on Thursday at the Shelley-Virnig Funeral Chapel in Pierz and from 9 - 10 AM on Friday at the funeral chapel. Christian Mothers Rosary will be prayed at 4:30 PM followed by Parish Prayers at 6:30 PM Thursday at the funeral chapel. Patricia “Pat” Marie Happke was born on July 14, 1937 in Bowlus, Minnesota to the late Frank & Ann (Czech) Kroll. She was united in marriage to James Happke on June 8, 1959 in Pierz, MN. She loved farming alongside her husband, Jim and raising their five children. Pat was well known for her ‘secret recipes’, like potato salad, cinnamon rolls, and coffee cakes which were handed down by Jim’s mother, Wilhelmina. The tradition of these recipes will be carried on by her children and grandchildren. Jim passed away on February 12, 1997. In 2006, Pat moved to Elk River, MN to be closer to her children and grandchildren. Pat never really slowed down, she decided to get a job at Coborn’s deli in Elk River. There she quickly picked up a loyal following. The customers and staff immediately adopted her as their own mom. Pat always gave of herself and never asked for anything in return. She prided herself in being a good wife, mother and grandmother, these qualities were admired by her family and will be greatly missed. Pat is survived by her five children, Timothy (Diane) Happke of Pierz, MN, Thomas (Pamela) Happke of Coon Rapids, MN, Christine (Timothy) Andrea of Champlin, MN, Charles Happke of Brooklyn Park, MN, and Stephen Happke of Reston, VA. 8 grandchildren, Jennifer Petrie, Michael Andrea, Caitlynn, McKenna, Scott, Brian, Cody, and Tyler Happke; sister, Priscilla (Joe) Maronick of Helena, MT; brothers, Robert (Kay) Kroll of St. Augusta, MN, Al Kroll of Malta, MT, and Vern (Winona) Kroll of Boulder, MT. Pat was preceded in death by her husband, Jim Happke; brother, Callistus Kroll (1932); parents, Frank & Ann (Czech) Kroll. Honorary Pallbearers will be Jennifer Petrie, Caitlyn and McKenna Happke. Active Pallbearers will be Steve Petrie, Mike Andrea, Scott, Brian, Cody and Tyler Happke.

Tributes

Patricia "Pat" M. Happke

July 14, 1937 - August 8, 2011